Ask Badal not to disturb peace, Ashwani urges PM
Saturday, 26/07/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140726/punjab.htm#4
New Delhi : Former Law Minister and Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Ashwani Kumar today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to persuade his ally, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, not to create a situation that could disturb peace and harmony in the country.
Speaking to The Tribune today, Ashwani Kumar said the repeated threats of Badal to launch a morcha and court arrest against the Haryana gurdwara panel move would provoke emotional sensitivities that could result in a serious law and order situation in both Punjab and Haryana – a result that must be avoided.
“All outstanding issues can be easily resolved through negotiations in true tradition of democratic discourse. To allege that the HSGMC is a conspiracy of the Congress against the Sikhs is a totally undesirable charge that must be rejected with all force at our command,” Ashwani Kumar said.
He added that Badal’s stand was totally inconsistent with the basic principles of federal polity. “Badal should know that such conflicts can lead to devastating consequences throughout the country. Any attempt to polarize people’s minds around religious sensitivities should be resisted. I urge the PM to prevent Badal from creating a communally tense environment,” the former minister said.
